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Perceived Threat and Misinformation Surrounding COVID-19

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Abstract

The current COVID-19 pandemic has generated misinformation and conspiracy theories, especially on ideology. Individuals who are exposed to symbolic and realistic threats are more likely to endorse conspiracy theories. Conspiracies are problematic because they can lead to a categorization of “us vs. them" and increase hatred toward other groups. The purpose of the study is to examine what factors may be related to people endorsingCOVID-19 conspiracies. We hypothesized that participants who were more politically conservative and higher in perceived symbolic threat from Chinese immigrants would be more likely to endorse COVID-19 conspiracies.

Start Date

12-4-2021 1:30 PM

End Date

12-4-2021 2:00 PM

Faculty Advisor

Helen Harton

Department

Department of Psychology

Student Type

Graduate Student

Comments

This entry was part of the following session of the event:

  • Session title: COVID-19 Attitudes & Behaviors; Monday, April 12, 2021; 1:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Moderator: Dilbur Arsiwalla.

Electronic copy is not available through UNI ScholarWorks.

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Apr 12th, 1:30 PM Apr 12th, 2:00 PM

Perceived Threat and Misinformation Surrounding COVID-19

The current COVID-19 pandemic has generated misinformation and conspiracy theories, especially on ideology. Individuals who are exposed to symbolic and realistic threats are more likely to endorse conspiracy theories. Conspiracies are problematic because they can lead to a categorization of “us vs. them" and increase hatred toward other groups. The purpose of the study is to examine what factors may be related to people endorsingCOVID-19 conspiracies. We hypothesized that participants who were more politically conservative and higher in perceived symbolic threat from Chinese immigrants would be more likely to endorse COVID-19 conspiracies.